Nut-cracker



(No Model.)

M. BENZ.

NUT GRAGKER.

No. 244,145. v Patented July 12,1881.

- TNESSES: 4 1 I IN TOR %1ZZM@ BY ATTORNEY N. PETERS. Pholo-Lilhognpher, \Vammgwn D C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

MITCHELL BENZ, OF BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT.

NUT-CRACKERL SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 244,145, dated July 12, 1881.

Application filed May 6, 1881. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MITCHELL BENZ, of Bridgeport, county of Fairfield, and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Nut Crackers, of which the following is a specification.

This invention has reference to an improvement in nut-crackers of that class in which two movable jaws are jointed together at one end and connected to fulcrumed handles at the opposite ends; and the invention consists of a nut-cracker composed of two movable jaws which are jointed together at one end and pivoted to inwardly-projecting lugs of hinged handles at the opposite ends, said jaws and handles being spread apart by a spring interposed between the lugs of the handles.

In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2 represent side views of my improved nut-cracker, showing the same respectively in open and closed position.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

A A in the drawings represent two movable jaws, which are jointed to each other at one end by means of a connecting-pivot, a, and at their opposite inwardly-curved ends, by pivots b b, to inwardly-projecting lugs d d, of two handles, B B, which are hinged to each other above the pivot-connection with the movable jaws A A. The handles B B are bent from their connecting-hinge downward in such a manner as to follow the curve of the jaws A A, the lower ends of the handles being curved outwardly and extended below the lower jointed ends of the jaws A A. By this arrangement the movable jaws are placed entirely between the outer curved handles, the shape of which resembles somewhat that of a horseshoe.

The movable jaws are roughened or serrated at their inner faces for properly taking hold of the nuts placed between the same. A spiral or other spring, 0, is interposed between the lugs d d of the handles B B, and secured in any suitable manner thereto, so as to serve to open the jaws and handles after they have been forced together for cracking the nuts, which facilitates the use of the cracker.

I am aware that nut-crackers with two movable jaws, which are jointed together at one end and pivotally connected at their'opposite ends to fulcrumed handles, have been used heretofore, and I therefore do not specially claim the same.

Having thus described myinvention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent In a nut-cracker, the combination oftwo m ovableja'ws, which arejointed togetheratone end with hinged handles, which are provided with in wardly-projecting lugs, to which the opposite ends of the movable jaws are pivoted, and with a spiral or other spring interposed between the lugs of the handles, so as to open the jaws and handles after the pressure thereon is released, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in pres ence of two witnesses, this 25th day of April, 1881.

MITCHELL BENZ.

Witnesses:

PAUL GonPnL, CARL KARP. 

